In 1982, following a six year hiatus, Hasbro revived the G.I. Joe toy-line with 3.75-inch figures, branding it: A Real American Hero.  The relaunch was wildly successful becoming what many consider the most iconic toy-line of the 1980’s.  Thoroughly embedded in popular culture, the ARAH brand and its characters remain popular to this day.

To collectors, there is no carded figure more coveted than the ever-elusive Cobra Commander.  The anticipation for the release of the Cobra Commander figure dates back to 1982 when Hasbro affixed his likeness on the face of all nine original carded G.I. Joe figures offering him only as a mail-away loose figure.  It would not be until the following year that the carded version of Cobra Commander was released at retail.  Quickly selling out of stores across America, kids ripped open the carded package so that they could play with their favorite villain. 

Presented is the highest graded Cobra Commander in existence – Population One!    This first retail release 20-back example, featuring twenty characters on the reverse, was graded by the hobby’s leading grading service, AFA, utilizing their current three tier grading system that includes subgrades: it earned an unsurpassed overall 95 grade including a 95 assigned to each of the three subgrades.  Unpunched, the vibrant colors and gloss to both the card and figure supply a factory fresh sheen to the aesthetics.  The figure stands perfectly upright and it’s legs are tight and without movement. 

The very best example of the most iconic villain in the entire line, and one of the most recognizable and desirable toys of the 1980’s.  This is a true “pop 1” icon with no others graded higher or equivalent, and it is unquestionably the most exciting collectible that LCG has had the privilege to present to our global audience.

Encapsulated by AFA (95, 95-95-95), #17290296

Estimate: $35,000-$50,000